Thread: Comparing D2 analog out to external DAC

I understand the D2's analog out can be used while simultaneously toggling between it and the digital outs simplifying comparisons to an external DAC.

Who has tried this and how good is the D2's DAC compared to a stand alone by another company like the Bryston DBA-3, etc?

I have tried the D1 /sbooster upp against several Dac`s up to 2000$ and i haven't find a reason to by one yet. Naim V1, Brytson Bda1, Brooklyn dac. Beside that i also is curious whitc dac that can give the D1 a lift.

I'm running a D1 w/LPSU into a Classé Sigma SSP pre/pro and have tried both. Even though both the Lumin and the Classé use the same Wolfson WM8741 D/A converters, I find utilizing the balanced analog out works best for me. In this case, with the Classé as a preamp I get a better sound than using its internal DAC. Also, getting the benefit of native DSD is a big bonus!

Originally Posted by wklie

I think that's a surround preamp. If/When you would like to consider an upgrade for stereo music playback, you may consider adding a stereo preamp with HT bypass feature. I think there is an opportunity to get an increase in transparency this way, as surround processor is intrinsically disadvantaged for stereo music playback due to their DSP, video, and home theater audio requirements.

True. But it's a good all-rounder, I'm probably 80% music and 20% movies. The SSP allows to completly avoid A/D conversion to have an entirely analog signal path for all stereo sources by opting for digital bypass mode, all DSP processing switched off. In Stereophile Magazine it was descibed as "a superb stereo analog preamp, and all the rest of its bells and whistles are gifts".

I know this is an old thread, I was curious if you still had the D1 and the Classe. I’d so, are you running the Lumin analog out to the Classe? Also, are using the Classe digital bypass, or using the Classe’s DSP? I was wondering if you noticed a difference.

I no longer own the Lumin D1, but when I did I ran it balanced out to the Classé in bypass mode. This sounded very good to my ears, never did an actual comparisation I’m afrad.

Thanks for the reply. Did you end up getting a different steamer? I have the Lumin T2 and also run it through the Classe in digital bypass mode. I have tried it both ways, but slightly clearer in bypass mode.

Yes, liked the Lumin very much but wanted a DAC/Preamp/streamer combo so ended up with an Auralic Vega G2. With the Auralic in HT bypass I can run the Classé SSP through it doing only HT duties. All two-channel and streaming through the Auralic.